BEIJING: In a bid to revive its tourism sector and enhance international relations, China has announced a temporary exemption of visa requirements for citizens from six countries—France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. This move, effective from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, aims to encourage tourism and foster closer ties between China and these nations.
According to a spokesperson from the Chinese foreign ministry, citizens from the mentioned countries can enter China for various purposes, including business, tourism, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, or transiting, without the need for a visa. This exemption is applicable for a stay of up to 15 days.
China has been actively taking steps to revive its tourism sector, which faced severe challenges due to strict COVID-19 measures over the past three years. These measures included stringent border controls that limited international travel. The recent decision to exempt citizens from these six countries aligns with China’s broader strategy of restoring normalcy to its tourism industry.
China Gradually Easing Travel Restrictions
China has been gradually easing travel restrictions, expanding its visa-free transit policy to 54 countries earlier this month, which included citizens from Norway. In August, Beijing eliminated the COVID-19 test requirement for inbound travelers and, in July, reinstated 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of Singapore and Brunei.
While international flights in and out of the country are recovering more slowly than domestic ones, China’s aviation regulation forecasted a significant increase, with 16,680 weekly flights expected in the five months following October. Passenger flights are anticipated to reach 71% of the total recorded four years ago, signifying a positive trajectory for the country’s aviation industry.
